Faults and Burdens. Galatians 6:1-6 In the opening of this chapter, the idea of “walking in the Spirit” is connected to personal relationships. In the body of Christ, it is important to remember that we are the "body of Christ, but members in particular." Despite our flaws and failures, God's saints are chosen to be a special people. There is a unique family bond when we work together in agreement on doctrine and practice. Those who go so far as to impose legalism and the law of Moses as a way of salvation or as an addition to the work of Christ are false brothers. They are not Christians in the Bible sense, even if they claim to be Christians by religion.
With a very gracious and loving attitude toward the Galatian Christians, Paul addresses them as "brethren"—his brothers. No matter who they are or what they have done, we are still "members of one another." Therefore, when a trespass occurs in a believer's life, it affects us as well as them. "A fault" is not something we ignore as a personality quirk that might offend others with a different view of the matter. This is a sin that impacts others and must be addressed as a problem that requires appropriate discipline to correct wrong behavior. Clearly, if self-discipline has not changed this believer's behavior, others need to approach them to address the trespass in a scriptural way.
When a person is devastated by sin, those approaching them should do so with “a spirit of meekness.” Strength and authority exercised with control are reflected through sensitivity and gentleness that are appropriate and evident in the attitude of spiritual individuals. Such an approach can achieve the desired outcome of recovery more effectively than a legal, condemnatory stance. Grace surpasses law. Spiritual people do not gloat over the fault of someone who has sinned.
The point of writing about it seems to be that Paul knew some men had the opposite attitude and considered themselves superior spiritually. Their approach might have been, “You fell; I didn’t.” They act harshly, overbearing, and tend to go too far in correcting those who have sinned. Being led by the Spirit, those who show the fruit of the Spirit and live in the Spirit are the ones who are "spiritual" and therefore qualified to carry out the discipline needed to restore this person. The biblical helper is gentle and firm at the same time but also compassionate. Such a person will be aware of the temptation directed at them even while correcting someone else's behavior. The goal for the one who has been "overtaken in a fault" is to restore them, help them reach maturity, or to re-"perfect" what has been damaged.
There are actions we take that seem innocent at first, but quickly turn into binding habits. Then, we feel dismayed when we realize we can't break free from those bonds that began harmlessly in our minds and grew into behaviors we regret. A habit develops into a practice that keeps building and drags us into areas that tempt us to sin. Over time, the consequences start to show, and what began small eventually gains control. A spiritual response is needed from spiritual men who, with firm yet gentle guidance, come alongside to help through their careful leadership and correction by the Spirit. They are mature men who understand how to handle this sin in a biblical way.
“The law of Christ” is to love your neighbor and seek the best for him. We are expected as believers to help bear the burden of something that is beyond our normal capacity to carry. This is different from our own burden or load mentioned in verse five. We are expected to carry our load ourselves. We have private burdens to bear that are our own responsibility. Each of us is responsible before God.
Apart from Christ, we are nothing in ourselves. We should test ourselves and our actions. As Christians, our work should please God and align with His will. Comparing ourselves to others is not Christlike. There is a healthy kind of self-esteem that recognizes we are created by God, for Him, and redeemed through Christ, with the hope of heaven. This pride is rooted in God's unmerited grace.
Some of God's people carry heavy burdens of personal suffering, family issues without solutions, financial struggles that seem hopeless, and ongoing emotional stress. When one of the Lord's followers is overwhelmed by these burdens of sorrow, disappointment, and distress, the Spirit of God calls us to walk alongside and share that burden. Burden-sharing means sharing the load, putting our shoulders under what another person is weighed down by, and helping them carry it. When our burdens feel so heavy that we cannot move forward, we must be humble enough to gratefully accept the help others are willing to offer.
Some of God's people are weighed down by burdens they cannot carry alone. When there is no relief or their burden is lifted, we must step in to share their heavy load. This comfort assures them they are loved. When we compare our burdens to what others suffer, our discomfort feels small. God's intention is for us to carry each other's burdens within the household of faith and be close enough to help before someone falls under the weight.
The law of Christ enables us to do what the law of Moses cannot do. The law of Moses imposed burdens on people that were too heavy to bear. The biblical helper is willing to be involved closely enough in others' lives to help carry their burdens, even if it causes pain and inconvenience. If I refuse to respond to the needs of others or am too proud to accept help from someone else, I am "nothing." No one is fooled by someone who believes they're too high to lend a shoulder or unwilling to admit weakness.
The biblical helper is humble enough to recognize that any strength he has comes from the Source of all strength, our Lord, whose "strength is made perfect in weakness." Such a person does not think he is superior to others nor act in a "holier-than-thou" attitude. That person is willing to examine himself realistically. As he studies God's word, he sees the example of our Lord Jesus Christ and seeks to follow in "His steps."
Self-appraisal can be very helpful if we avoid comparing ourselves with others. If God has entrusted us with a task of service for others, that is a great privilege. When we are tempted to compare ourselves to others to feel good about who we are or what we do, it's important to stop and look at our Lord Jesus Christ. All comparisons disappear, and self-exaltation crumbles when we focus our hearts on Him.
There is another side to this issue. The heavy burden we are asked to carry for others is different from the backpack we carry ourselves. A soldier bears what he needs on his own back. A child heads to school with a backpack holding all their essentials. Of course, they would be happy if someone else carried it for them, but it is theirs, and they are responsible for it. It is wrong for us to complain about our legitimate responsibilities and look for someone else to take over. We have the duty to "provide for our own" with food, shelter, and life's necessities.
Expecting others to fulfill our needs is wrong. Even expecting the government to do so is wrong if we can work for ourselves and our families. Life naturally presents us with burdens to bear. God allows or may send difficult circumstances into our lives so we can grow morally and become the people He wants us to be.
A sailing vessel may look beautiful but goes nowhere without wind in its sails. Wind from any direction can be managed by the sails to head in any desired direction and complete a mission. Flowers that grow where temperatures never change may look appealing but have little or no scent. The tree is strongest and most stable because it is often swayed back and forth by the wind blowing against it. The burdens we carry are a blessing to us, whether we realize it at the moment or not.
The sudden shift in focus to supporting those who teach exemplifies living by the Spirit. When we are guided by God's Spirit and live under His influence, we become aware of our responsibility toward those whom the Spirit uses to pass divine truth to us. The biblical helper tends to assist others in their tasks, even if they are repeating the same actions. This way, they learn from the teacher and support them in their effort to help us.
The principle of giving shows that the more you give, the more you receive. The biblical teaching about supporting those who teach is that we should not ignore their financial and physical needs but instead meet them. A generous and "cheerful giver" is one whom God loves. Showing honor and appreciation to those who have taught us and those who teach us now is never wrong. This is not a salary paid for services rendered by those who preach and teach. That practice is not taught in the scriptures, although some may claim that this verse teaches it. The responsibility lies with the one who benefits from the teaching to meet the needs of the teacher, not with the teacher to arrange with the hearers before or after teaching. Financial and physical support come when those who are taught are blessed by what they learn and show their gratitude through practical efforts, using their labor in another field of work as they serve the Lord.